System and method for automatic digital copy for physical media purchase

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods including one or more processors and one or more non-transitory storage devices storing computing instructions configured to run on the one or more processors and perform acts of receiving a unique identifier from a user, wherein the unique identifier is associated with a purchase of a physical media item; determining when the unique identifier is associated with an electronic media account; when the unique identifier is associated with the electronic media account: sending a verification message to an electronic communication address associated with the unique identifier to (a) inform the user of an availability of electronic media associated with the physical media item and (b) provide a verification token that, when transmitted to an electronic media provider, facilitates a modification of the electronic media account to grant access to the electronic media associated with the physical media item; and when the unique identifier is not associated with the electronic media account: storing a cookie on an electronic device of the user, the cookie comprising data verifying the purchase of the physical media; receiving a signal indicating that the user has associated the unique identifier with the electronic media account; and facilitating a detection of a presence of the cookie on the electronic device of the user to facilitate the modification of the electronic media account to grant access to the electronic media associated with the physical media item. Other embodiments are disclosed herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Non-Provisional application Ser. No.14/575,656, filed Dec. 18, 2014, which claims the benefit of ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/059,999, filed Oct. 5, 2014.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/575,656 and Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/059,999 are incorporated by this reference intheir entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a media files, and relates moreparticularly to physical media files and related streaming media files.

BACKGROUND

People often desire to view or listen to media content at their home orplace of business. Media content may include movies, television shows,music, audio books, and the like. Music is often purchased in the formof physical media such as CDs as well as via downloadable digital media,such as MP3s. Music may also be streamed (such that the media file doesnot need to be fully transmitted before playback begins). Movies andtelevision shows may be purchased in a physical format such as DVDs andBlu-rays. Movies also can be streamed or downloaded using a variety offile formats and streaming services. It can be desirable for a user whopurchases media in a physical format to also have access to the media ina digital format and/or via streaming.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the followingdrawings are provided in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevation view of a computer system that issuitable for implementing an embodiment of the system;

FIG. 2 illustrates a representative block diagram of an example of theelements included in the circuit boards inside a chassis of the computersystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a system arranged to performtasks according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a system arranged to performtasks according to an embodiment.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figuresillustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions anddetails of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elementsin the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example,the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggeratedrelative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodimentsof the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in differentfigures denote the same elements.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in thedescription and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishingbetween similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particularsequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the termsso used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such thatthe embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operationin sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variationsthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises alist of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but mayinclude other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process,method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,”“under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, areused for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describingpermanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms soused are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that theembodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacturedescribed herein are, for example, capable of operation in otherorientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the likeshould be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or moreelements mechanically and/or otherwise. Two or more electrical elementsmay be electrically coupled together, but not be mechanically orotherwise coupled together. Coupling may be for any length of time,e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. “Electricalcoupling” and the like should be broadly understood and includeelectrical coupling of all types. The absence of the word “removably,”“removable,” and the like near the word “coupled,” and the like does notmean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.

As defined herein, two or more elements are “integral” if they arecomprised of the same piece of material. As defined herein, two or moreelements are “non-integral” if each is comprised of a different piece ofmaterial.

As defined herein, “approximately” can, in some embodiments, mean withinplus or minus ten percent of the stated value. In other embodiments,“approximately” can mean within plus or minus five percent of the statedvalue. In further embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus orminus three percent of the stated value. In yet other embodiments,“approximately” can mean within plus or minus one percent of the statedvalue.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS

A number of embodiments can include a system. The system can include oneor more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readablestorage devices storing computing instructions. The computinginstructions can be configured to run on the one or more processors andperform acts of receiving a unique identifier from a user, wherein theunique identifier is associated with a purchase of a physical mediaitem; determining when the unique identifier is associated with anelectronic media account; when the unique identifier is associated withthe electronic media account: sending a verification message to anelectronic communication address associated with the unique identifierto (a) inform the user of an availability of electronic media associatedwith the physical media item and (b) provide a verification token that,when transmitted to an electronic media provider, facilitates amodification of the electronic media account to grant access to theelectronic media associated with the physical media item; and when theunique identifier is not associated with the electronic media account:storing a cookie on an electronic device of the user, the cookiecomprising data verifying the purchase of the physical media; receivinga signal indicating that the user has associated the unique identifierwith the electronic media account; and facilitating a detection of apresence of the cookie on the electronic device of the user tofacilitate the modification of the electronic media account to grantaccess to the electronic media associated with the physical media item.

Various embodiments include a method. The method can be implemented viaexecution of computing instructions configured to run at one or moreprocessors and configured to be stored at non-transitorycomputer-readable media. The method can comprise receiving a uniqueidentifier from a user, wherein the unique identifier is associated witha purchase of a physical media item; determining when the uniqueidentifier is associated with an electronic media account; when theunique identifier is associated with the electronic media account:sending a verification message to an electronic communication addressassociated with the unique identifier to (a) inform the user of anavailability of electronic media associated with the physical media itemand (b) provide a verification token that, when transmitted to anelectronic media provider, facilitates a modification of the electronicmedia account to grant access to the electronic media associated withthe physical media item; and when the unique identifier is notassociated with the electronic media account: storing a cookie on anelectronic device of the user, the cookie comprising data verifying thepurchase of the physical media; receiving a signal indicating that theuser has associated the unique identifier with the electronic mediaaccount; and facilitating a detection of a presence of the cookie on theelectronic device of the user to facilitate the modification of theelectronic media account to grant access to the electronic mediaassociated with the physical media item.

In some embodiments, a method can comprise: receiving a uniqueidentifier upon a purchase of a physical media item; determining if theunique identifier is associated with a streaming service account; if theunique identifier is associated with the streaming service account,modifying the streaming service account to grant access to streamingmedia associated with the physical media item; notifying a user of theavailability of streaming media associated with the physical media item;receiving a request to initiate playback of the streaming mediaassociated with the physical media item; and transmitting the streamingmedia associated with the physical media item to the user for playback.

In some embodiments, a system can comprise one or more processingmodules; and one or more non-transitory storage modules storingcomputing instructions configured to run on the one or more processingmodules and perform the acts of: receiving a unique identifier upon apurchase of a physical media item; determining if the unique identifieris associated with a streaming service account; if the unique identifieris associated with the streaming service account, modifying thestreaming service account to grant access to streaming media associatedwith the physical media item; notifying a user of the availability ofstreaming media associated with the physical media item; receiving arequest to initiate playback of the streaming media associated with thephysical media item; and transmitting the streaming media associatedwith the physical media item to the user for playback.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of acomputer system 100, all of which or a portion of which can be suitablefor implementing the techniques described herein. As an example, adifferent or separate one of a chassis 102 (and its internal components)can be suitable for implementing the techniques described herein.Furthermore, one or more elements of computer system 100 (e.g., arefreshing monitor 106, a keyboard 104, and/or a mouse 110, etc.) alsocan be appropriate for implementing the techniques described herein.Computer system 100 comprises chassis 102 containing one or more circuitboards (not shown), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port 112, a CompactDisc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), Digital Video Disc (DVD) drive, orBlu-ray drive 116, and a hard drive 114. A representative block diagramof the elements included on the circuit boards inside chassis 102 isshown in FIG. 2. A central processing unit (CPU) 210 in FIG. 2 iscoupled to a system bus 214 in FIG. 2. In various embodiments, thearchitecture of CPU 210 can be compliant with any of a variety ofcommercially distributed architecture families.

Continuing with FIG. 2, system bus 214 also is coupled to a memorystorage unit 208, where memory storage unit 208 comprises both read onlymemory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). Non-volatile portions ofmemory storage unit 208 or the ROM can be encoded with a boot codesequence suitable for restoring computer system 100 (FIG. 1) to afunctional state after a system reset. In addition, memory storage unit208 can comprise microcode such as a Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) orUnified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI). In some examples, the oneor more memory storage units of the various embodiments disclosed hereincan comprise memory storage unit 208, a USB-equipped electronic device,such as, an external memory storage unit (not shown) coupled touniversal serial bus (USB) port 112 (FIGS. 1-2), hard drive 114 (FIGS.1-2), and/or CD-ROM, DVD drive, or Blu-ray drive 116 (FIGS. 1-2). In thesame or different examples, the one or more memory storage units of thevarious embodiments disclosed herein can comprise an operating system,which can be a software program that manages the hardware and softwareresources of a computer and/or a computer network. The operating systemcan perform basic tasks such as, for example, controlling and allocatingmemory, prioritizing the processing of instructions, controlling inputand output devices, facilitating networking, and managing files. Someexamples of common operating systems can comprise variousversions/distributions of Microsoft® Windows® operating system (OS),Apple® OS X, UNIX® OS, and Linux® OS.

As used herein, “processor” and/or “processing module” means any type ofcomputational circuit, such as but not limited to a microprocessor, amicrocontroller, a controller, a complex instruction set computing(CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC)microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, agraphics processor, a digital signal processor, or any other type ofprocessor or processing circuit capable of performing the desiredfunctions. In some examples, the one or more processors of the variousembodiments disclosed herein can comprise CPU 210.

In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 2, various I/O devices such as a diskcontroller 204, a graphics adapter 224, a video controller 202, akeyboard adapter 226, a mouse adapter 206, a network adapter 220, andother I/O devices 222 can be coupled to system bus 214. Keyboard adapter226 and mouse adapter 206 are coupled to keyboard 104 (FIGS. 1-2) andmouse 110 (FIGS. 1-2), respectively, of computer system 100 (FIG. 1).While graphics adapter 224 and video controller 202 are indicated asdistinct units in FIG. 2, video controller 202 can be integrated intographics adapter 224, or vice versa in other embodiments. Videocontroller 202 is suitable for refreshing monitor 106 (FIGS. 1-2) todisplay images on a screen 108 (FIG. 1) of computer system 100 (FIG. 1).Disk controller 204 can control hard drive 114 (FIGS. 1-2), USB port 112(FIGS. 1-2), and CD-ROM drive 116 (FIGS. 1-2). In other embodiments,distinct units can be used to control each of these devices separately.

In some embodiments, network adapter 220 can comprise and/or beimplemented as a WNIC (wireless network interface controller) card (notshown) coupled to an expansion port (not shown) in computer system 100(FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the WNIC card can be a wireless networkcard built into computer system 100 (FIG. 1). A wireless network adaptercan be built into computer system 100 by having wireless communicationcapabilities integrated into the motherboard chipset (not shown), orimplemented via one or more dedicated wireless communication chips (notshown), connected through a PCI (peripheral component interconnector) ora PCI express bus of computer system 100 (FIG. 1) or USB port 112 (FIG.1). In other embodiments, network adapter 220 can comprise and/or beimplemented as a wired network interface controller card (not shown).

Although many other components of computer system 100 (FIG. 1) are notshown, such components and their interconnection are well known to thoseof ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, further details concerningthe construction and composition of computer system 100 and the circuitboards inside chassis 102 (FIG. 1) are not discussed herein.

When computer system 100 in FIG. 1 is running, program instructionsstored on a USB-equipped electronic device connected to USB port 112, ona CD-ROM or DVD in CD-ROM and/or DVD drive 116, on hard drive 114, or inmemory storage unit 208 (FIG. 2) are executed by CPU 210 (FIG. 2). Aportion of the program instructions, stored on these devices, can besuitable for carrying out at least part of the techniques describedherein.

Although computer system 100 is illustrated as a desktop computer inFIG. 1, there can be examples where computer system 100 can take adifferent form factor while still having functional elements similar tothose described for computer system 100. In some embodiments, computersystem 100 can comprise a single computer, a single server, or a clusteror collection of computers or servers, or a cloud of computers orservers. Typically, a cluster or collection of servers can be used whenthe demand on computer system 100 exceeds the reasonable capability of asingle server or computer. In certain embodiments, computer system 100can comprise a portable computer, such as a laptop computer. In certainother embodiments, computer system 100 can comprise a mobile device,such as a smart phone or a tablet. In certain additional embodiments,computer system 100 can comprise an embedded system. It should also beunderstood that a particular configuration of computer system 100 may ormay not contain each of the items shown in FIG. 1 or 2 or may in factcontain multiple of each of the items shown in FIG. 1 or 2. For example,certain implementations of computer system 100 may not contain a CD-ROM,DVD, or Blu-ray drive 116. Other implementations of computer system 100may contain two CD-ROM, DVD, or Blu-ray drives 116. Otherimplementations of computer system 100 can contain 2 or more monitors106. Other implementations of computer system 100 could contain nomonitors. Other implementations of computer system 100 can containequivalents to certain items. For example, hard drive 114 can bereplaced or augmented by a solid-state drive (SSD). Computer system 100could be a special-purpose machine, such as a set-top box or video gameconsole. In other embodiments, computer system 100 can be ageneral-purpose computer.

Today's technology provides many different ways for users to accessmedia content. Optical discs such as compact discs (CDs), DVDs, andBlu-ray discs provide music, movie, and television (“TV”) show contentto users in a high-quality, yet compact medium. Other physical formatsare also possible for such media content, such as memory cards or otherphysical formats that might be developed in the future. High-speedInternet connectivity allows users to “stream” or otherwise downloadcontent over the Internet to their Internet-capable devices, without theneed to use physical media. The term streaming might refer to asituation where a media file is temporarily downloaded by a user andcapable of being viewed while being transferred to the user. In someimplementations of streaming, a user no longer has access to thestreamed file after being viewed or listened to. In someimplementations, the user can have access to the streamed file after aninitial viewing or being listened to. Downloading might refer to amechanism whereby an entire media file is transferred to the user andremains available to a user after viewing. In some embodiments, theremight be a distinction between “streaming” and “downloading,” such as acost difference where streaming is less expensive to the user thandownloading. In other embodiments, streaming and downloading might betreated in a similar manner. In some embodiments, reference will be madeto a “streaming service,” which can apply to a provider of media contentthrough the Internet. The term “streaming service” also can apply toservices where users can “download” media content in the mannerdescribed above.

Exemplary media content can include, but is not limited to, movies,music, TV shows, books, audio books, magazines, podcasts, radio shows,and the like. Internet-capable devices can include, but are not limitedto, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, personal computers, tablets,smartphones, and the like. Some Internet-capable devices also providethe capability to read optical media, such as compact discs (CDs),Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), and Blu-ray discs through the use of anattached or built-in optical reader and/or writer. As of 2014, exemplaryInternet-capable devices can include tablets such as the Apple® iPad®,Microsoft® Surface®, Samsung® Galaxy Tab, and Amazon® Kindle Fire, settop boxes or plug-in devices such as Roku®, Google® Chromecast®, andApple® TV, video game devices such as the Sony® Playstation® 3 andPlaystation® 4, Nintendo® Wii and Wii U, and Microsoft® Xbox 360 andXbox One, personal computers (including both desktop and laptopdevices), Blu-ray drives, DVD drives, and smart TVs.

With such an Internet-capable device, a user can select media contentthat he wishes to read, view, and/or hear. The user can read, view,and/or hear the media content on or from a built-in display, or via aTV, monitor, and/or speaker that is coupled to the Internet-capabledevice.

However, consumers still wish to purchase physical media, such asoptical discs. There can be several reasons for the desire for physicalmedia. For example, media can be of higher quality when in physical formthan in streaming form. For example, if an Internet connection becomesbandwidth limited, the quality of the media stream can go from HighDefinition (HD) quality (1920×1080 pixels or 1280×720 pixels) to muchlower (such as 720×480 pixels or even lower). If the bandwidth becomesvery limited, the results also can include buffering or stuttering,resulting in a sub-optimal user experience. Such issues do not exist,however, with Blu-ray discs or DVDs, which maintain the same viewingquality all the time. In addition, physical media is portable in thesense that physical media can be viewed on any media player without theneed to sign in to an account or even be connected to the Internet. Inaddition, physical media cannot be taken away from the owner, while auser can cease to be able to use streaming media if the user cancels anaccount with a streaming service or in certain other circumstances.Also, in some embodiments, a user might be limited to a single viewingof streaming content. In contrast, a user can watch media files onphysical media an unlimited amount of time.

On the other hand, there are advantages that streaming/downloadablemedia have over physical media. For example, streaming media is portableas long as the user is signed into their account. Downloadable media canbe portable even without an Internet connection. Streaming media can beviewed on devices that do not have optical media players, such assmartphones and tablets. Streaming media cannot be scratched andrendered unusable.

In many cases, consumers want to have media content in a physical formatand access to a streaming or downloadable copy of the same mediacontent. Existing methods and systems might rely on a user entering in acode in the packaging of the physical media or inserting the physicalmedia into an optical drive to prove ownership. But there are negativesto those methods and systems. For example, both methods require a userto perform an additional verification step in order to have access tothe streaming content. For example, there might be a requirement toinsert physical media into a drive to prove ownership of the physicalmedia. The requirement to insert the physical media into a drive alsoruns into problems from the point of view of the content producer. Forexample, inserting the physical media proves only possession, notownership—a user could rent a DVD or Blu-ray from the library or rentalretailer, or borrow the same from a friend in order to gain access tostreaming media.

Embodiments provide a service that automatically gives certain customersaccess to digital copies (for streaming or for download) of media filespurchased on physical media such as CD, DVD, or Blu-ray. The purchasescan be made at either a physical brick and mortar store or at a store'sweb site. When a customer buys physical media, an embodiment can use aunique identifier to identify the customer's streaming account. In otherembodiments, the customer's unique identifier can be used to establishan account in cases where the customer does not already have a streamingaccount. Thereafter, a customer can be granted access to a digitalversion of the purchased title on a streaming service. Embodiments alsocan allow a customer to register DVD and Blu-ray purchases withoutentering the unique identifier, either by entering a numeric oralphanumeric code on the receipt or by scanning a bar code or a QR codethat is printed on the receipt.

With reference to FIG. 3, a flowchart is provided illustrating a method300 for providing user access to a digital copy after purchasingphysical media. Various aspects of method 300 can be performed on acomputer system 100 (FIG. 1). Method 300 is merely exemplary and is notlimited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 300 can be employedin many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted ordescribed herein. In some embodiments, the procedures, the processesand/or the activities of method 300 can be performed in the orderpresented. In other embodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/orthe activities of method 300 can be performed in any other suitableorder. In still other embodiments, one or more of the procedures, theprocesses, and/or the activities of method 300 can be combined orskipped.

To use an embodiment, a user can sign up for a streaming service or isalready a member using that streaming service (block 302). As is knownin the art, there are a variety of different streaming servicesavailable today, and there will likely be new streaming services made inthe future. Exemplary streaming services for video include Vudu,Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and the like. Exemplary streaming servicesfor audio include Spotify, iTunes Radio, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and thelike. What many streaming services have in common is that they canrequest that the user create an account with the streaming service, suchthat the service can keep track of user's likes, payments, and level ofservice. At block 302, a user can either create an account for thestreaming service. A streaming service provider can provide variousmeans to allow a user to create an account, such as via a web-page, orvia an app on a smartphone or tablet.

At a user's streaming service account page, a user can associate theaccount that was created in block 302 with a unique identifier (block304). This association can be done during the creation of an accountwith the streaming service. In addition, a user can add the uniqueidentifier to an already existing streaming service account. In someembodiments, the unique identifier can be a cellular telephone number,but other unique identifiers can be used.

A cellular telephone number has a number of features that can bedesirable for use as a unique identifier. For example, the number isrelatively unique—although telephone numbers can change occasionally,typically, each telephone number is only associated with one entity at atime. In addition, the fact that the unique identifier is a telephonenumber allows the streaming service to send and receive short messagesystem (SMS) messages to a user about the user's streaming serviceaccount. Moreover, a user is very likely to remember his/her owntelephone number, so the user will be able to provide the uniqueidentifier when asked. In addition, it can be common for a retailer torequest a telephone number of a user at both brick and mortar or on-lineretailers.

Thereafter, a user can purchase physical media (block 306). The purchasecan be performed in a variety of different manners. In some embodiments,the user can purchase the physical media in person, at a brick andmortar store. In some embodiments, the user can purchase the physicalmedia remotely, such as via the Internet, including using a webinterface or using a mobile “app.” Other embodiments can also bepossible.

Upon making the purchase, an embodiment can determine that the purchaserhas an account at a streaming service (block 308). Such a task can beperformed in a variety of different manners. In some embodiments, theuser provides his unique identifier upon purchasing physical digitalmedia content. In embodiments where the unique identifier is a user'scell phone number, the user can provide a cell phone number whenperforming a “check-out” at either a brick and mortar store or via anInternet storefront. At a brick and mortar store, there is commonly apoint-of-sale (POS) terminal at a checkout stand. When purchasing thephysical media content, the user can be prompted to enter his/her uniqueidentifier into the POS terminal. In some embodiments, a person workingat the brick and mortar store can enter the unique identifier afterasking the user for his/her unique identifier. In some embodiments, auser can have a bar code scanned when he/she makes the purchase. Forexample, some retailers provide “rewards” to users for frequentpurchasing. As part of the reward program, the retailer can issue a cardwith a scannable bar code associated with the user. That bar code can beassociated with the unique identifier and/or the user's account with astreaming service.

At an electronic commerce (eCommerce) retailer, a user is typicallyrequired to enter contact information as part of the check-out process.The contact information typically includes a name and address (both ofwhich might be used for delivery purposes), and payment information tocomplete the purchase. In some embodiments, the user can also berequested to enter his unique identifier. In embodiments where theunique identifier is the user's telephone number or cellular telephonenumber, such information is already commonly gathered as part of acheck-out process. In some embodiments, the unique identifier is not theuser's account number or other log-in information.

The unique identifier is then sent to the streaming service provider.The streaming service provider can access a database to determine if theunique identifier belongs to an account. Once the account at thestreaming service has been linked to the unique identifier, thepurchaser is given the ability to access to the newly purchased media onthe user's streaming service account (block 310). Thus, the user is ableto stream and/or download a version of the media content in addition tobeing able to view and/or listen to the physical media. This can beaccomplished in a variety of different manners. For example, an entrycan be made in a database associating the digital media that he justpurchased with the user's streaming service account. Thereafter, thenext time the user accesses his/her streaming service account, therewill be an indication that the particular media file that he purchasedin a physical format is now available on his/her streaming serviceaccount.

A user can then be notified that his/her streaming service now hasaccess to the media file that he/she just purchased in a physical format(block 312). This notification can occur in a variety of differentmanners. In some embodiments, the next time the user logs into his/herstreaming service account, there can be a notification that new media isassociated with his/her account. In some embodiments, an email can besent to the user indicating the presence of new media associated withhis/her account. There can be a URL in the email that directs the userto access his/her streaming service account directly. In someembodiments, the URL can take the user directly to the newly availablemedia content.

In some embodiments, a text message or SMS message can be sent to theuser informing the user of the availability of the newly purchased mediain a streaming format to go along with their physical copy. In someembodiments, a smartphone/tablet app can direct a notification to theuser. Such a notification can be made in a variety of ways. For example,both Android and iOS have a notification panel that is available tousers notifying the user of certain events. An embodiment can use thenotification panel to notify the user of the newly available media. Withthe notification, there can also be an audio, visual, and/or tactilenotification made through the user's smartphone/tablet app notifying theuser of the newly available media.

Thereafter, at the user's leisure, the user can view and/or listen tothe streaming version of the media on their streaming service account(block 314). This can be done in a variety of different manners. In someembodiments, a user logs into a streaming account, then selects themedia file he/she wishes to view/watch. The list of available mediafiles will include the media file the user just purchased in a physicalformat. After the user selects the media file, the streaming service canfacilitate the playback of the media file. For example, the streamingservice can send the media file to the user for playback. In someembodiments, the media file can be streamed to the user. In someembodiments, the media file can become available for download by theuser.

The blocks referenced in FIG. 3 need not occur in the order given above.For example, a user can buy physical media (block 306) before creatingan account with a streaming service (block 302). In such a situation, auser can be informed of the ability to stream the purchased physicalmedia if the user were to create an account at the streaming service.Such a task can be accomplished in a variety of different manners.

In some embodiments, a user provides a cellular phone number when hepurchases items at a physical brick and mortar store or at an Internetstorefront. As described above, the cellular phone number can be enteredinto a POS terminal at a checkout counter. Thereafter, the user'scellular phone number is associated with physical goods he purchased atthe physical brick and mortar store or the Internet storefront. When theuser later creates an account with the streaming service, the userprovides a cellular phone number as a unique identifier. The cellularphone number is already associated with the previously purchasedphysical media. Blocks 310, 312, and 314 can then be accomplished. Theuser's account is modified to note the availability of the previouslypurchased physical media. Thereafter, the user can access streamingversions of the goods he purchased.

In some embodiments, a user can provide a cellular phone number atcheckout. This can occur either at a brick-and-mortar store or at aneCommerce provider. Thereafter, the user is sent an SMS informing theuser of the ability to view the media he/she just purchased by using astreaming service. The SMS can also contain a specific URL. The URL canlead the user to a sign-up page for the streaming service. When the useraccesses the URL, the data regarding the media the user purchased atphysical brick and mortar store or at an Internet storefront is alreadystored. The user completes a sign-up procedure with the streamingservice and the movies and/or other media he purchased is alreadyassociated with his streaming account.

There can also be a mechanism built into the receipt to enable a user toassociate physical media with a user's streaming account. With referenceto FIG. 4, a flowchart illustrating method 400 for associating a receiptto a streaming service is provided. Various aspects of method 400 can beperformed on a computer system 100 (FIG. 1). Method 400 is merelyexemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method400 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples notspecifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, theprocedures, the processes and/or the activities of method 400 can beperformed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the procedures,the processes, and/or the activities of method 400 can be performed inany other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more of theprocedures, the processes, and/or the activities of method 400 can becombined or skipped.

In some instances, a user might not have an account with the streamingservice at the time of purchase. Or the user might not enter his/herunique identifier at a POS terminal at the time of purchase. Method 400can be used for such a situation.

After a user purchases a physical media item at a physical brick andmortar store or online at an eCommerce provider, the user is typicallyprovided with a receipt. An embodiment can provide purchase informationto the brick and mortar store that is to be printed on the receipt(block 402). Information on how to sign up for a service can be locatedon the receipt. For example, the user can be informed of the existenceof the streaming service provider. The user can also be informed thatthe physical media that he/she just purchased could be made available tothe user as part of a streaming service. The user can also be providedwith a URL to access sign up for the streaming service. The user canalso be provided with a special code that will allow the user toassociate the user with the purchase of physical he just made. The codecan be alphanumeric, so that the user can just enter the code in anappropriate place on a website or app (block 404).

In some embodiments, the purchase information can be in a scannableform, such as a bar code or a QR code. The user can then use an app onhis smartphone/tablet to photograph the bar code or QR code. The appwill process the bar code or QR code. The bar code or QR code cancontain purchase information about the recently purchased physicalmedia. Therefore, when the user establishes a streaming service account,the recently purchased physical media can be made available in streamingform to the user. In addition, if the user already has a streamingservice account, scanning the bar code or QR code can enable therecently purchased physical media to be associated with the user'sstreaming service account (block 406).

In some embodiments, the information from the receipt can be sent to theuser via an SMS message. For example, a user can enter his mobiletelephone number into a POS terminal at a brick and mortar store.Thereafter, the user is sent an SMS that contains information, such asin a coded URL, that can allow the user to establish or log in to astreaming service account have the physical media associated with thatstreaming service account.

After the physical media is associated with the user's streaming serviceaccount, the user can select the media file to be played (block 408).Thereafter, the user can view/listen to the streaming version of themedia on their streaming service account (block 410).

In some embodiments, a user can purchase a physical media item on-line,such as via an eCommerce provider. When the user purchases the item, theuser enters various information about himself, such as his emailaddress. The user can be sent an email that contains a hyperlink thatallows the user to have access to an on-line streaming service throughwhich he can view the media he just purchased. The hyperlink can beencoded such that it contains information about the physical media thatthe user just purchased. In such a manner, when the user clicks on thehyperlink, the data about which physical media the user just purchasedcan be linked to the user's account. In some embodiments, if the useralready has a streaming service account associated with the emailaddress, the user's streaming service account can be updated with theinformation about the newly purchased physical media. In the event theuser does not have an account with the streaming service, the data canbe stored, such as in a cookie. When the user establishes an accountwith the streaming service, the stored data can be accessed and the usercan be granted access to the media.

In one or more of the above described embodiments, a user can be askedto provide credentials from a digital-rights management system.Exemplary digital rights management systems include such as UltraVioletor Disney Movies Anywhere. A digital rights management system can allowa user who purchased physical digital media to provide an activationcode to a digital rights locker, confirming that the user owns aparticular physical digital media item. The activation code can be acode located within the paper materials of the packaging. In anotherembodiment, the activation code could be located on physical media. Insuch a case, the user would insert the physical media into his computerto confirm ownership of the digital media item. In another embodiment, auser with an account with a digital rights management system can havethat account linked with the user's streaming service account. In such amanner, even movies purchased before the user had a streaming serviceaccount can be made accessible to the user.

Turning ahead in the figures, FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of asystem 500 arranged to perform various tasks. System 500 is merelyexemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. System500 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples notspecifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, certainelements or modules of system 500 can perform various procedures,processes, and/or acts. In other embodiments, the procedures, processes,and/or acts can be performed by other suitable elements or modules. Asan example, system 500 can be implemented using computer system 100(FIG. 1).

Returning to FIG. 5, in a number of embodiments, system 500 can includesign-up module 502. In certain embodiments, sign-up module 502 canperform block 302 (FIG. 3) of allowing a user to sign-up for a streamingservice account.

Returning to FIG. 5, in a number of embodiments, system 500 can includeunique identifier module 504. In certain embodiments, unique identifiermodule 504 can perform block 304 (FIG. 3) of associating a uniqueidentifier with a streaming service account.

Returning to FIG. 5, in a number of embodiments, system 500 can includeaccount determination module 508. In certain embodiments, accountdetermination module 508 can perform block 308 (FIG. 3) of determiningif a user who purchased physical media has a streaming service account.

Returning to FIG. 5, in a number of embodiments, system 500 can includeaccess granting module 510. In certain embodiments, access grantingmodule 510 can perform block 310 (FIG. 3) of granting access to a mediafile in a streaming service account.

Returning to FIG. 5, in a number of embodiments, system 500 can includenotification module 512. In certain embodiments, notification module 512can perform block 312 (FIG. 3) of notifying a user of the availabilityof a media file within a streaming service account.

Returning to FIG. 5, in a number of embodiments, system 500 can includeplayback module 514. In certain embodiments, playback module 514 canperform block 314 (FIG. 3) of sending a media file to a user forplayback, using the user's streaming service account.

Turning ahead in the figures, FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of asystem 600 arranged to perform various tasks. System 600 is merelyexemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. System600 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples notspecifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, certainelements or modules of system 600 can perform various procedures,processes, and/or acts. In other embodiments, the procedures, processes,and/or acts can be performed by other suitable elements or modules. Asan example, system 600 can be implemented using computer system 100(FIG. 1).

Returning to FIG. 6, in a number of embodiments, system 600 can includereceipt information module 602. In certain embodiments, receiptinformation module 602 can perform block 402 (FIG. 4) of providinginformation for printing on a receipt indicating the purchase ofphysical media.

Returning to FIG. 6, in a number of embodiments, system 600 can includeinformation receiving module 604. In certain embodiments, informationreceiving module 604 can perform block 404 (FIG. 4) of receivinginformation associating a user with physical media.

Returning to FIG. 6, in a number of embodiments, system 600 can includeinformation association module 606. In certain embodiments, informationassociation module 606 can perform block 406 (FIG. 4) of associatinginformation with a user's streaming service account.

Returning to FIG. 6, in a number of embodiments, system 600 can includeplayback request module 608. In certain embodiments, playback requestmodule 608 can perform block 408 (FIG. 4) of receiving a request toplayback media using a streaming service account.

Returning to FIG. 6, in a number of embodiments, system 600 can includeplayback module 610. In certain embodiments, playback module 610 canperform block 410 (FIG. 4) of sending a media file to a user forplayback, using the user's streaming service account.

Although the above embodiments have been described with reference tospecific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes may be made without departing from the spirit orscope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments isintended to be illustrative of the scope of the disclosure and is notintended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the disclosureshall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. Forexample, to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readilyapparent that any element of FIGS. 1-6 can be modified, and that theforegoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does notnecessarily represent a complete description of all possibleembodiments. For example, one or more of the procedures, processes, oractivities of FIGS. 1-6 can include different procedures, processes,and/or activities and be performed by many different modules, in manydifferent orders.

All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to theembodiment claimed in that particular claim. Consequently, replacementof one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and notrepair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions toproblems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. Thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elementsthat may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or becomemore pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required,or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unlesssuch benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are stated in suchclaim.

Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicatedto the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/orlimitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are orare potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations inthe claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: one or more processors; andone or more non-transitory storage devices storing computinginstructions configured to run on the one or more processors and performacts of: receiving a unique identifier from a user, wherein the uniqueidentifier is associated with a purchase of a physical media item;determining when the unique identifier is associated with an electronicmedia account; when the unique identifier is associated with theelectronic media account: sending a verification message to anelectronic communication address associated with the unique identifierto (a) inform the user of an availability of electronic media associatedwith the physical media item and (b) provide a verification token that,when transmitted to an electronic media provider, facilitates amodification of the electronic media account to grant access to theelectronic media associated with the physical media item; and when theunique identifier is not associated with the electronic media account:storing a cookie on an electronic device of the user, the cookiecomprising data verifying the purchase of the physical media; receivinga signal indicating that the user has associated the unique identifierwith the electronic media account; and facilitating a detection of apresence of the cookie on the electronic device of the user tofacilitate the modification of the electronic media account to grantaccess to the electronic media associated with the physical media item.2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the unique identifier comprises atelephone number or an email address.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein:the unique identifier: is associated with a streaming service account;and comprises the telephone number; the verification message comprises ashort message system (SMS) message; and the verification token comprisesan alphanumeric code or a numeric code.
 4. The system of claim 2,wherein: the unique identifier: is associated with the streaming serviceaccount; and comprises the telephone number; the verification messagecomprises a mobile device operating system notification; and theverification token comprises at least one of: an alphanumeric code; anumeric code; an audio code; a visual code; or a tactile code.
 5. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein: the unique identifier: is associated withthe streaming service account; and comprises the email address; theverification message comprises an email; and the verification tokencomprises at least one of: an alphanumeric code; a numeric code; anaudio code; a visual code; or a tactile code.
 6. The system of claim 1,wherein the computing instructions are further configured to run on theone or more processors and perform acts of: receiving a request toinitiate playback of the electronic media associated with the physicalmedia item; and transmitting the electronic media associated with thephysical media item to the user for playback.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein: the purchase of the physical media item occurs at a brick andmortar retail store; and receiving the unique identifier from the usercomprises: receiving the unique identifier from the user via a computersystem associated with the brick and mortar retail store.
 8. The systemof claim 1, wherein: the purchase of the physical media item occurs viaa website of an eCommerce retailer; and receiving the unique identifierfrom the user comprises: receiving the unique identifier from the uservia the website of the eCommerce retailer.
 9. The system of claim 1,wherein the verification token is printed on a receipt associated withthe purchase of the physical media item.
 10. The system of claim 1,wherein the verification token is inside a packaging of the physicalmedia item.
 11. A method implemented via execution of computinginstructions configured to run at one or more processors and configuredto be stored at non-transitory computer-readable media, the methodcomprising: receiving a unique identifier from a user, wherein theunique identifier is associated with a purchase of a physical mediaitem; determining when the unique identifier is associated with anelectronic media account; when the unique identifier is associated withthe electronic media account: sending a verification message to anelectronic communication address associated with the unique identifierto (a) inform the user of an availability of electronic media associatedwith the physical media item and (b) provide a verification token that,when transmitted to an electronic media provider, facilitates amodification of the electronic media account to grant access to theelectronic media associated with the physical media item: when theunique identifier is not associated with the electronic media account:storing a cookie on an electronic device of the user, the cookiecomprising data verifying the purchase of the physical media; receivinga signal indicating that the user has associated the unique identifierwith the electronic media account; and facilitating a detection of apresence of the cookie on the electronic device of the user tofacilitate the modification of the electronic media account to grantaccess to the electronic media associated with the physical media item.12. The method of claim 11, wherein: the unique identifier comprises atelephone number or an email address.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein: the unique identifier: is associated with a streaming serviceaccount; and comprises the telephone number; the verification messagecomprises a short message system (SMS) message; and the verificationtoken comprises an alphanumeric code or a numeric code.
 14. The methodof claim 12, wherein: the unique identifier: is associated with thestreaming service account; and comprises the telephone number; theverification message comprises a mobile device operating systemnotification; and the verification token comprises at least one of: analphanumeric code; a numeric code; an audio code; a visual code; or atactile code.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein: the uniqueidentifier: is associated with the streaming service account; andcomprises the email address; and the verification message comprises anemail; and the verification token comprises at least one of: analphanumeric code; a numeric code; an audio code; a visual code; or atactile code.
 16. The method of claim 11 further comprising: receiving arequest to initiate playback of the electronic media associated with thephysical media item; and transmitting the electronic media associatedwith the physical media item to the user for playback.
 17. The method ofclaim 11, wherein: the purchase of the physical media item occurs at abrick and mortar retail store; and receiving the unique identifier fromthe user comprises: receiving the unique identifier from the user via acomputer system associated with the brick and mortar retail store. 18.The method of claim 11, wherein: the purchase of the physical media itemoccurs via a website of an eCommerce retailer; and receiving the uniqueidentifier from the user comprises: receiving the unique identifier fromthe user via the website of the eCommerce retailer.
 19. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the verification token is printed on a receiptassociated with the purchase of the physical media item.
 20. The methodof claim 11, wherein the verification token is inside a packaging of thephysical media item.